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TODAY’S THE DAY that Windows 10 makes its long-awaited debut and for Microsoft to banish the bad memories of Windows 8.
You might not get it straight away – the upgrade will be released in phases, starting with Windows Insiders before moving onto those on the waiting list – but since you’ll be waiting anyway, here’s what you need to know.
How difficult is it to install?
Provided you have the correct version of Windows, the installation process is pretty straightforward. It’s a little time-consuming, and you should back up important data first before you proceed, but it’s straightforward.
There are two ways to install it. If you already own a computer or tablet with Windows 7 or 8.1 installed, you can upgrade for free.
If you look at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, there should be a Windows icon on your system tray. Clicking on it will allow you to upgrade or sign up to the waiting list.
If you own a pro version of Windows, you will be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.
I can’t see this icon. What’s happening?
There could be a few reasons for this, but the main ones are:
- You don’t have Windows Updates turned on or not set to receive updates automatically
- Your device doesn’t have an up-to-date copy of Windows 7 or 8.1.
- You’ve blocked or uninstalled the necessary update needed.
- You’re running a pirated version of Windows.
If you have an older version of Windows, you have two options. You can either pay for it online or you can purchase a USB drive with it installed.
What kind of PC/device should you have?
These are the general specifications provided by Microsoft. What you need are:
- 1GHz processor.
- 1GB or RAM (2GB for 64-bit devices).
- 16GB of hard disk space (20GB for 64-bit devices).
- A display of at least 1024×600.
If you’re unsure, the Windows icon in the system tray has a ‘test your PC’ option which tells you if your device is compatible. Alternatively, you can find out by going into Control Panel > System and Security > System.
Why is it releasing Windows 10 in phases?
Likely because with all official launches, there will be bugs here and there. No software is ever perfect when it’s first released and doing it in phases gives Microsoft time to react.
The first people to gain access to the upgrade will be those involved with the Windows Insider programme, those who have been using the beta version of Windows 10 for months now.
There are roughly 4.4 million people who have been involved so once they’re out of the way, it will move onto those who signed up to the waiting list and then a general release.
What’s the reaction to it been like?
Very positive. Many were happy to see the return of the Start button and turning it into one main operating system instead the disjointed nature of Windows 8′s desktop and tablet modes.
The Verge praised the update saying it’s “hugely exciting” saying that its decision to make this the ‘last Windows’ is good since it “ends the cycle of good and bad [Windows 8] in favour of something great.”
Windows 10 is hugely exciting. I rarely touch my MacBook Air anymore as I find the combination of some good hardware (like the Dell XPS 13) and Windows 10 is a joy to use. I like the direction Microsoft is taking with Windows 10, accepting feedback and ideas from its customers along the way. It feels like the best way to shape Windows into something people enjoy using, rather than something they have to use.
PC World also praised the update saying it charts a better course for the service, and has done a great job in making Windows 8 a distant memory.
Windows 10 feels like Windows; I made the mental shift from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 during the weeks I’ve spent with it as a Windows Insider. That was a very clever tactic, by the way, to encourage users to overcome their unfamiliarity with the OS as beta testers.So what’s our verdict? Download it, definitely. Not only is it free to the vast majority of customers, it’s a sizeable improvement over both of Microsoft’s prior operating systems. Microsoft, to its very great credit, has assumed a corporate persona of humility and responsiveness that it’s previously lacked. If there are problems—and there are—we have every confidence they’ll be fixed.
While ComputerWorld called it “a dramatic improvement over Windows 8,” saying it worked better as one main service instead of a “Rube Goldberg kludge of two operating systems poorly bolted together”.
Despite some bugs and annoyances (like being forced to accept Windows updates), it will be worthwhile to upgrade from Windows 8.1 before July 29, 2016, when Microsoft’s one-year free upgrade offer runs out. Windows 7 users should consider upgrading as well, thanks to Cortana, Edge and the advent of useful Windows apps.
So should I upgrade?
We would say yes since it’s free and fixes the many problems that Windows 8.1 presented, just make sure you back up your important files first as a precaution before doing anything.
But remember that you don’t have to upgrade straight away. As mentioned earlier, most people have a year to upgrade it for free so if you’re unsure, you can always hold off the decision for a bit while you see how other people fare.
Also, there will always be a few bugs here and there with the first version so waiting a little longer for them to be fixed is never a bad idea.
(Originally published: 20:30 28/7/2015)
Does it have Solitaire and Paint?
PINBALL ALL THE WAY
I’ll be staying on Windows 7 until I know for sure this release isn’t another absolute horror show along the lines of Windows ME or Windows 8…..
Had windows ME at a stage. *shudder*
You forgot Vista!
Reg, it’s best kept that way.
Kane, all the talk is positive which cannot be said for what the word on the street was prior to the W8 release.
I think you can rest easy here and go to W10 with no great worries. Sure, there will be new places to find stuff but overall once you adapt you will be delighted I would expect.
I’ve been using the preview for a month and it’s very stable, definitely the best version of Windows so far.
I bet it’s not a patch on Windows 9. That was the most perfect version they had.
Once you’ve Mac you won’t go back to Windows
I’ve a Macbook air and run windows on it. OS X is like a fisher price os.
Windows runs particularly well on a mac. I’ve got it running on two of them, never had an issue.
What a stupid comment
I have 2 Mac devices and 2 Windows devices. I use them for different requirements. That’s it really. Sticking yourself to one brand of anything doesn’t make any sense.
osx used to be great. but since Tim Cook took over its gone to ruin. Jony I’ve has a lot to answer for too. #itallwentdownhillaftermountainlion
I love my Macbook, running whatever the latest OSX build is (Yosemite? El Capitain? Can’t remember).
I love my PC, updating to WIndows 10 as we speak.
I love my linux RPi retro gaming box.
Squabbling over which OS is better is literally for children.
Went to Mac and came running back. Was like trying to write with my left hand… no thanks.
Yeah I’ll be taken the jump to windows 10. Never had an issue with Windows 8.1 but tried an early beta on an old desktop and it looked great.
Looking forward to this and the xbox UI together. Now if the allow me
something is wrong with this page..eating all my RAM on the phone. think its the ad at the bottom.
Is this for Microsoft surface pro by any chance?
Yes :D
ýeah it’s for everything. pcs, tablets and phones
Don’t upgrade unless you’ve checked with the vendor of your line of business software. (Domain workstations probably won’t have the option to upgrade anyway)
Ill take a guess and say its like all others, dreadful for 6 months until users who pay for it are asked to fix it by reporting faults then testing patches again. When stable the test is when business choose to use it, most likely after 5 years from release date. Ill go back to DOS
Why take guesses when there’s real-world trusted reviews out there and opinions from actual users aplenty?
Guess away but it won’t get you anywhere good.
I’m not too keen on the flat look, think I’ll stick to windows 7 for a while.
how will Microsoft make money on Windows 10 Heard after a year free it becomes an annual subscription service
Not true , it will only be free for 12 months after that the upgrade will be 100€, but if you get it within the first 122 months you pay zip ever.
” there will be no additional fees attached to Windows 10″
Terry Myerson
Microsoft’s Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group
12 mths
They plan to make money on services – subscriptions to Office, upgrading the data storage on OneDrive and various other ancillary, optional upgrades – from businesses and from Windows licenses on new PCs.
When you look at Microsoft’s revenues, the income from consumer purchases of Windows is actually reasonably small – they make money from their cloud service platform, Office sales/subscriptions, business (primarily), various workstation services and platforms they provide etc.
So using Windows as a permanent “loss leader” to get people involved in the various Microsoft services makes a lot of sense.
stick with Ubuntu
Yeah a little ubuntu partition or vm is always nice, but the UI is pretty horrible these days.
I have the windows 10 insider pro preview, how do I update?
Never mind, sounds like you received it by mistake.
actually Windows 10 was downloadable for everyone to try direct from the Microsoft site!
so you obviously didn’t know that before you commented
You probably shouldn’t be running the preview build if your first instinct is to ask random people on TheJournal.ie how to update to retail…
Well maybe some random person will have the same as me and be able to tell me how to update it. Not a big deal Guy, cant even ask questions anymore without been shot down
I’m not saying it’s a silly question, I’m saying that if this article is your first port of call for an answer I’d be worried. Preview builds are meant for people who know what they’re doing, who need to test specific things, generally not for use as a primary OS (no matter how polished they may be).
My point is that you shouldn’t be installing preview operating systems if your hopes for answers on what is a fairly specific technical issue lie with ‘some random person’. In any case, this info has been available for a while: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/laptops/news/microsoft-clarifies-how-windows-10-preview-users-can-keep-genuine-builds-for-free-706875
Now Microsoft has released Windows 10 Anniversary update for general public, August 2nd 2016 onward. This update is the second big update since release of Windows 10. This Anniversary update will automatically downloaded in your device if you’ve set automatic update downloads. If you haven’t updated yet follow these steps to upgrade your device immediately. Visit http://windowshub.online/windows-10-anniversary-update/ for more updates or learn how to download Windows 10 anniversary update.
Was using Windows 10 beta and it crashed everything, I will upgrade from the 8.1 I’m presently using as it’s dreadful for crumblies like me.
Now Microsoft has released Windows 10 Anniversary update for general public from August 2nd 2016. This Windows update is the second big update since release of Windows 10. This Anniversary update will automatically downloaded in your device if you’ve set automatic update downloads. If you haven’t updated yet follow these steps to upgrade your device immediately. For more details on How to Download or install Windows 10 anniversary update visit here: http://windowshub.online/windows-10-anniversary-update/
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